Trump delays Iran strike after Gulf allies push for diplomacy
(Bloomberg) — President Donald Trump said he postponed a planned military strike on Iran after leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates urged the U.S. to allow more time for diplomacy aimed at ending the conflict and stabilizing regional energy markets.
In a social media post Monday, Trump said Gulf leaders appealed for the U.S. to “hold off” on a planned attack as negotiations continue.
The comments marked the latest twist in efforts to de-escalate a conflict that has disrupted global oil and LNG flows and contributed to a sharp rise in crude prices since fighting began earlier this year.
Oil prices pared earlier gains following Trump’s comments as traders interpreted the move as a sign the White House remains reluctant to risk a broader regional escalation that could further disrupt Middle East exports.
Despite the diplomatic push, both Washington and Tehran indicated negotiations remain stalled.
According to reports cited by Axios, the White House rejected a proposal delivered through Pakistani mediators because it lacked sufficient commitments involving Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and future enrichment activity.
Iranian officials also signaled U.S. demands remain unacceptable, while continuing to insist on sanctions relief, access to frozen assets and compensation tied to the conflict.
The prolonged standoff continues pressuring global energy markets as restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz sharply reduce regional exports.
The strategic waterway typically handles about one-fifth of global oil and LNG trade.
Trump has repeatedly warned Iran that military action remains possible if negotiations fail, though the administration also faces growing economic pressure tied to elevated oil prices and broader market volatility.
On Monday, the U.S. Treasury Department extended a sanctions waiver allowing temporary sales of Russian oil to certain countries, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent citing concerns over supply disruptions.
Meanwhile, regional security concerns remained elevated after the UAE reported a drone strike near the Barakah nuclear power plant. Authorities said there was no radiological impact and that additional drones were intercepted.
Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting drones entering its airspace from Iraq.
The incidents underscored continued instability across the Gulf even as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes.
Trump said last week he also discussed Iran sanctions and Chinese purchases of Iranian crude during meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
China had been purchasing roughly 90% of Iran’s oil exports before the conflict escalated earlier this year.
Map source: Global Energy Infrastructure.
